Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Australian Remembrance Army

Captain John Arthur Rudd, an Australian World War One veteran, is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now marked with a plaque recognising their service for Australia.

We unveiled his plaque in Lutwyche Cemetery on 29 September 2025, along with a further 161 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page

John Arthur Rudd was born in 1876. He held a Licentiate of Veterinary Science from the University of Melbourne and gained experience in dairying and general farming in the Gippsland district of Victoria. In May 1914 he was appointed Government Veterinary Surgeon in Queensland.

Rudd embarked from Sydney on 21 December 1914 aboard HMAT Port Macquarie and served overseas with the Australian Army Veterinary Corps, attached to units of the 5th Australian Division, holding the rank of captain. His service included postings in France and England. In 1917 he was repeatedly hospitalised for severe myalgia and measles at several military hospitals, including the 2nd Australian Military Hospital at Millbank, Queen Alexandra Military Hospital, the North Eastern Hospital at Tottenham, and Cobham Hall, before returning to duty.

While serving overseas, Rudd married Edith May Lamb at Bates Hill Church, England. In 1918 he was wounded in action, sustaining bomb injuries to his abdomen and hand, and was at one time recorded as dangerously ill. He was treated in England, including admission to the 3rd London General Hospital. His injuries resulted in permanent disability, and his military appointment ended in 1919.

By 1926 Rudd was living in Sherwood and employed by the Queensland Department of Agriculture. In 1933 he became Director of the Animal Health Station at Yeerongpilly, Brisbane. He retired from public service in 1941 and lived on his farm at Nerang on the Gold Coast.

Captain John Arthur Rudd died at St Martin's War Memorial Hospital, Brisbane on 3 September 1942, aged 66, and was buried in Monumental Portion 1, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. He was survived by his wife Edith and two sons. His obituary in the Telegraph noted his military service, professional contributions to veterinary science, and leadership within the Department of Agriculture, and included a tribute from the Minister for Agriculture describing him as one of the department’s finest veterinary officers.

After decades without recognition at his place of burial, his grave now bears a plaque commemorating his service to Australia — ensuring his name endures among those remembered for their duty and sacrifice. His identity and dignity have now been restored.

We have remembered him.
Lest We Forget.